Public Employee Press

PEP story sparks grievance victories

Lightning struck Trevor Alexander and Mathilde Holguin last June while they read their union newspaper. The two Local 1549 members spotted a PEP story about co-workers Sandra Roberts and Lisa James winning back their longevity increases after the HIV/AIDS Services Administration misinterpreted the contract and took the money away.

The article had pointed out that the same problem affected others at HASA, and immediately after reading it, Alexander and Holguin reached out to Clerical Division Grievance Rep Alpine James and filed their own grievances.

Both had been bumped back from Principle Administrative Associate to Eligibility Specialist III. Since they were still in the same occupational group, they were not supposed to lose their longevity differentials. Yet management’s mistake shrank their paychecks substantially.

Holguin suffered severe difficulties. “My salary went down by $10,000. Imagine what a problem that created in my home,” she said. She got a dispossess notice and her daughter had to get a job and drop out of college.

But she posted the PEP story on a wall at home, and told her family, “That’s what happened to me!” as she held out hope for a big retroactive paycheck.

At Step III, management finally did the right thing. The differentials were restored and retroactive payments were issued. Holguin feels redeemed. “This is incredible! And I owe it all to the union.”

Alexander’s check paid off debts. A promotion has moved him out of Local 1549, but he regrets leaving the union that has offered him so many benefits. Union assistance helped cut his mortgage cost as he bought a home. “And winning this grievance just makes me feel that much better about the union,” he said.

Alpine James is set to ride off into the sunset on a winning streak. People know she is retiring April 28, and tearful hugs from grateful members greet her at every work location.

“I want to thank Alpine James for her service. This is a victory for all of us,” said Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez.

“Just seeing the results of our work is my reward. The expressions on members’ faces are my thanks,” said James.